SupersonicMonkey*
Guest
I was concerned about the long term implications of the Richards contract when we signed him, but that time is not now.
1. Richards was never a great skater, and he doesn't have to be.
2. As I can't say enough, The power play and Richards are synonymous. As the PP gets better, so will Richards.
3. He hasn't been shooting enough. This is, I think a product pf playing with Nash and Gaborik. Put Stepan between those two, he'll stay higher and tend to the defensive responsibilities. Put Richards with Callahan and Kreider/Hagelin, and give him a more free offensive reign. I know you guys have noticed Richards getting too deep with Nash and Gaborik, only for the puck to leave the zone for a 3 or 4 on 2 the other way.
4. Yes, his decision making has been poor. I can't argue with that. But age doesn't make you go senile at 32. I think that will come with time.
Look, I hope you are right. IF he is going to stick around he needs to be better.
He played well with Callahan last year. And he worked well with Hagelin, too, exploiting his speed. Those two can work down low and create space for Richards.
Gaborik played his best hockey last year with Stepan. Stepan and Gaborik need a guy who can work the boards as well. You are right about Stepan and Richards needing to be the high man. Pyatt can work the boards down low and create space for Gaborik and Stepan.
Keep Miller and Kreider together, they feed well off eachother. Give them Nash to open space for them.
And now you have a 4th line that can shut down another team's top unit.
Tortorella is also at fault here for having no effin clue how to adapt during a game.
Hagelin - Richards - Callahan
Pyatt - Stepan - Gaborik
Kreider - Miller - Nash
Powe - Halpern - Boyle
Not indicative of ice time. Torts needs to use the whole bench.
Bold part: I should hope not lol.
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